Stratford's Andrew Pozzi takes 60m hurdles silver at European Indoor Championships

ANDREW Pozzi says he’s fully focused on the outdoors season after claiming a silver medal at the European Indoor Championships in Poland.

The Stratford star came second in Sunday’s thrilling 60m hurdles final in Torun after clocking an equal personal best time of 7.43s, just 0.01s behind race winner Wilhem Belocian.

Italy’s Paolo Dal Molin claimed the bronze medal in a time of 7.56s.

Although visibly disappointed not to have claimed gold, the 28-year-old said his attentions immediately turn towards the outdoors season.

“It’s an equal PB and I was doing well at the start but lost a couple of steps in the middle,” said Pozzi. “I’m definitely in the best shape of my life but the timing and rhythm just wasn’t quite perfect.

“These are the championships and the better man won. It is what it is but I’m a little bit disappointed. I gave everything I could but I’m not worried as it’s straight to the outdoors.”

Pozzi got his European Indoor Championships off to a fine start on Saturday, winning his heat in 7.52s to book his place in Sunday’s semi-finals.

Pozzi shot out of the blocks and, despite clipping the fourth hurdle, the win never looked in doubt.

“I was a little bit tentative to the first hurdle but I just wanted to be safe and I was really encouraged by the time,” he said.

In the semi-final Pozzi was once again quick out of the blocks and, despite clipping the third hurdle, he still won the race in 7.53s.

“I pushed hard and it felt like a good run,” said Pozzi. “I hit one in the middle a little bit and the start wasn’t quite as smooth as I wanted.”

In the final Pozzi trailed slightly off the blocks and was clearly gaining on Frenchman Belocian as the race went on.

After hitting the fourth hurdle, Pozzi gave it one final burst as the finish line approached but he fell just short of claiming the gold medal.